CHRISTMAS
Reflect on holiday
as season of peace
‘Tis that season once again — for joy, anxiety, love, family and food.
‘Tis the season for “political correctness”: whether there should be a tree in a public place or not, or who’s saying “no” to the “hanging of the greens.”
I start to think about what the decorations mean beyond the Christmas connection, and how we can live with the colors and peace the season represents. Christmas has a dual purpose: to celebrate a holiday dear to many Americans, and to represent the freedom we have to display our heritage.
I think about my heritage: Hungarian, Polish, Russian and probably a little German mixed in, and that of my wife, who is of Cuban decent originally, by way of Turkey. If we asked all Americans to tell us about themselves, we might see someone represent almost every country in the world. The beauty is, we’re all Americans.
I ask the non-believers, naysayers and troublemakers to put their Christmas attacks on hold. Request a continuance for lawsuits; stop making demands to politicians to knock down the trees; call Christmas what it really is; pour a glass of eggnog; kick your feet up — and give it a rest.
MICHAEL HESSING, ALPHARETTA
Amid all the bustle,
remember veterans
The Christmas wreath symbolizes much about who we are as Americans, galvanized by a common belief that we are there for one another. Recalling the veterans at rest, we also thank the thousands of Georgia’s veterans we have among us. Remembering those who sacrificed is a window into our own futures; you, too, will some day be remembered for your service.
Twenty-five years ago, I was serving in Germany when our daughter was born. I recall the 92-year-old man who gingerly held our child. The tattoo on his forearm told the story of consignment to Auschwitz. He died one night after we looked at each other for the last time. His spouse said our daughter was the only American child he held.
When you provide comfort or kind words, visit veterans, or serve a veteran in business, you are an honorary veteran. Their memory cannot be extinguished, as they are part of the unbroken ranks, and the unbroken circle as reflected by the Christmas wreath.
LARRY MROZINSKI, WOODSTOCK
SCHOOL SHOOTINGS
Funds for treatments
needed for mentally ill
The private tragedies of a mentally ill person are reflected in the terrible toll on families and, eventually, on society. The mass murder of little children is heartbreaking whenever it happens.
The mentally ill are often withdrawn, fearful of bringing attention to themselves, and in denial about their condition. Public funding for treatment is proper and vital to the public interest. Governments are, sadly, as much in denial as any victim.
JAMES PHILPOT, MARIETTA
